The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-11-22
4 TERRIBLE MOMENT.

man to the very brink Of the grave and in
which he finds himself face to face with a
horrible death.
had lived for nearly five years in Australia,
where had massed quite handsome fortune,
when suddenly longing for home took pos
session Of me, doubtless intensified by the fact
that my atfianced bride was about to sail for
Europe, and 1 could not endure the thought
that the wide ocean was to roll between us. So
l resolved to accompany her and our marriage
was to be celebrated in our native land.
May Brodstone was the daughter of a
wealthy farmer, and the most beautiful and
attractive maiden for miles around Before L
knew her, she had been. perhaps wee bit
coquettsh-a fact which was destined to cost
sne dear.
Among her admirers was certain Albert
Streffor. With his dark complexion, his black
hair and eyes, he belonged to that class of people
who feel everything most keenly, and never
forget an injury. He worshipped the very
ground May trod upon, and fear she did not
always resist the temptation to fiirt with him,
although she assured me, (and L could not
doubt it for momenQ, that she had never
given him any real encouragement
About this time, I appeared on the scene.
and from the first moment OF meeting, we felt
Shat fate had destined us for each other. She
Immediately turned her back upon all her for
amer admirers, became as staid and quiet as an
Andia-rubber tree in a calm day, and finally
Whispered the little Eyes" which was to seal
my happiness forever.
Old Mr.. Brodstone was satisfied with his
daughters choice,ana, as there seemed to be no
obstacle to our union, the engagement was an
nounc6d at once. l CHANGED to be present
when Albert Streffer first herd the news
With compressed lips and contracted brows,
he glared, first at May and then at myself, I'M
&il l felt that he would gladly have annihia-
sed me, had it been possible.
Without uttering q word, he turned and
went away. Ills conduct impressed me most
unpleasantly, and May confessed to me later
that she inyoluntarny shuddered when she
met his look OF bitter hatred.
From this time, although business often
brought him to our neighbolhood, we saw
f5tre6er but seldom; yet this man cast a
shadow over al OR happiness, and we were
not at all sorry when we found ourselves on
board The Ship which was to bear us to our
home. We had not lost sight Of land, however,
when, with a cry Of surprise, May laid her
.land upon nay shoulder, and, pointing to the
zower deck exclaimed
"Gee, Alfred, there he isl"
!. And SO IN very truth lives. Leaning qnistz.
upon tte saIae sf1fe as ourselves! TIlis disc0y-
cry was far from being an agreeable one to me,
although / could not help laughing when May
nestled closer to my side and whispered anxi-
iously.
Dear Alfred, don't know why it is, but I
am afraid OF that man. [ cannot rid myself
of the thought that he has evil design against
us"
l did my best to dispel her fears and in this
attempt Streifer's own conduct assisted nc
materially, for except Il few words which we
casually exchanged, le did not intrude upon
us in anyway, and our voyage had been m st
prosperous, when, one night, yilcnt huEri-
Our good ship bafticd braveIy with tire